Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme Expanded for the General Public

07 Jan 2011

(HONG KONG) The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme, an educational initiative jointly organised by Dragonair and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, has undergone a major expansion in 2011, opening up to applications from the general public for the first time as it enters its sixth year.

This programme is a mentorship scheme targeted at young people who have an interest in exploring the aviation world and pursuing a career in the industry. Each participant is guided through an eight-month journey with a Dragonair pilot acting as their mentor. Programme members get the opportunity to attend lectures, training sessions, briefings and tours hosted by industry partners to help them develop a solid foundation of aviation knowledge and a deeper understanding of the workings of the industry.

The Aviation Certificate Programme is one of Dragonair’s key corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating the airline’s strong commitment to helping young people in the local community.

“We are fully committed to giving something back to our society and to help nurture the young people of Hong Kong. Through this unique educational programme, we hope to inspire young people and help them fulfil their dreams to become a part of Hong Kong's aviation community,” said Captain Peter Sanderson, Dragonair’s General Manager Operations.

Of the 66 participants who have graduated over the first five years of the programme, a number are now working in the aviation industry with several joining Dragonair and sister airline Cathay Pacific as professional pilots.

Claudia Sin, who took part in the Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme in 2007 and is now a Second Officer with Dragonair, said that one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the mentorship scheme.

“My mentor, First Officer Morten Lisse, really inspired me. Not only was he able to encourage me when things got tough and give me advice when I needed it, but he was enthusiastic in sharing his own experiences. That support continued throughout my time on the programme and now we are colleagues. I look forward to working together with him in the same cockpit one day.”